Adapting to an Evolving Environment: A Guide to Wildfire Risk Assessments for Utility Organizations
In today’s evolving climate and environment, wildfires are becoming an increasingly widespread challenge [1]. Previously thought only to be a threat in the dry western U.S., this growing difficulty is no longer defined by regional barriers, and utility organizations must now adapt, prepare, and mitigate for this hazard.
What is a Wildfire Risk Assessment (WRA)?
A Wildfire Risk Assessment (WRA) is a comprehensive evaluation to identify and mitigate wildfire risks and hazards. The assessment focuses on understanding the potential risk posed by electrical infrastructure, such as power lines, transformers, and other pole and tower-mounted equipment in areas prone to wildfires. By using geospatial tools to evaluate factors including vegetation, topography, weather patterns, and equipment conditions, WRAs help utilities pinpoint vulnerabilities that could lead to wildfire ignition, threatening nearby communities, natural resources, and the utility infrastructure.
Why Are Wildfire Risk Assessments Important?
“We need our grid better adapted to storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton – and other extreme climate disasters like the wildfires out west.”
WRAs are crucial for electric utility organizations as wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity throughout the country. They not only threaten communities but also jeopardize the critical services that the electrical network provides to communities, businesses, and government agencies. By assessing and addressing wildfire risks and hazards, utilities can proactively develop mitigation plans to enhance their operational resilience, reduce the likelihood of wildfire ignition, and protect both their assets and the communities they serve.
Wildfire Risk Assessments – What is Required?
Data Collection and Analysis
Wildfire Hazard Data - Collect location-based data, including vegetation types, fuel loads, topography, historical wildfire occurrences, and associated weather patterns. This data can be used in wildfire modeling analysis to help identify wildfire hazard areas where ignitions pose the threat of fast-moving destructive wildfires.
Utility Infrastructure Risk Data - Collect and evaluate the location, condition, and vulnerability of the electrical infrastructure, such as power lines, switches, transformers, and other electrical equipment that pose the risk of wildfire ignition. This might include the age of the equipment, data from previous inspections, and the number of connection points that a given asset has to other infrastructure in the system.
Mapping and Analyzing Hazards and Risks - Develop detailed maps highlighting where high-risk infrastructure and high wildfire hazard areas overlap within the utility's service area. This will identify critical areas where the risk of wildfire is high and the potential for fast-moving, intense wildfires can occur.
Identifying Communities and Infrastructure at Risk - After the high wildfire risk and hazard areas are analyzed and identified, map the communities, populations, and other critical infrastructure in, near, or serviced by the electrical network. High wildfire hazard areas with high potential ignition risk in close proximity to communities, population centers, and other infrastructure values will be the highest priority for mitigation programs.
2. Mitigation Planning
Based on the Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment, mitigation plans that outline specific actions to reduce wildfire ignitions and wildfire intensity are identified and prioritized. Mitigation can range from hardening the electrical infrastructure, reducing flammable vegetation, implementing automatic recloser procedures during wildfire-prone conditions, and implementing public safety power shut-offs during extreme conditions.
3. Implementation and Monitoring
A comprehensive mitigation program also includes advanced monitoring, detection, alerting, and response plans and procedures. Mitigation efforts should be continuously monitored and updated as necessary to account for changing environmental conditions and evolving risk factors.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
Public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) are a tool within a wildfire mitigation plan. When wildfire conditions are extreme, they can protect assets and communities but also have consequences. PSPS requires a systematic approach that involves critical thresholds, well-established procedures, and public outreach and education long before they occur, enabling preparedness for communities and stakeholders. BES’ team of industry experts is well-versed in helping utility organizations better prepare for PSPS implementation and comprehensive wildfire mitigation planning.
Conclusion
Conducting a Wildfire Risk Assessment enables utilities to initiate actions that better protect customers, communities, the electrical network, and natural resources. By identifying and mitigating wildfire hazards and risks, utilities can safeguard their infrastructure, ensure continuity of service, and lower liability exposure and recovery costs. At Bent Ear Solutions, we have deep experience helping utilities navigate the complexities of WRAs, leveraging our expertise to enhance operational resilience and awareness and ensure long-term success in the face of growing wildfire threats.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your assets.
